Party Calls for Greater Support, Empowerment and Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities Nationwide
By Our Correspondent
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the welfare, inclusion, and empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across Nigeria, as hundreds of beneficiaries received cash assistance and food items during a major outreach programme held at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
The beneficiaries, drawn from various disability clusters across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring communities, gathered at the APC National Secretariat on Tuesday to receive support aimed at easing the impact of current economic challenges while strengthening the participation of persons with disabilities in national development.
The initiative, spearheaded by the APC National Leader of Persons with Disabilities, Aare Hon. Tolu Bankole, underscored the party’s growing focus on disability inclusion and social protection as part of broader efforts to ensure that vulnerable Nigerians are not left behind.
The intervention brought together members of different disability groups, including persons with visual impairments, hearing impairments, physical disabilities, and other disability communities, many of whom expressed appreciation for the timely assistance.
APC Leadership Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusion
Speaking on behalf of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the Principal Private Secretary to the Chairman, Jibrin Bancir, welcomed the beneficiaries and emphasized the party’s commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities remain active stakeholders in the nation’s political and socio-economic development.
Addressing the gathering, Bancir conveyed the goodwill of the APC National Chairman and reassured beneficiaries that the party remains committed to policies and programmes that promote inclusion and equal opportunities for all Nigerians regardless of physical ability.
“I am standing here on behalf of the National Chairman to appreciate you and welcome you to the APC National Secretariat,” he said.
According to him, the APC leadership recognizes the importance of disability inclusion and remains determined to ensure that persons with disabilities benefit from the party’s programmes and governance agenda.
He noted that the efforts being championed by the APC National Leader of Persons with Disabilities have continued to receive the full support of the party leadership.
“The little the APC National Leader of Persons with Disabilities, Aare Hon. Tolu Bankole, is doing, the National Chairman is backing him so that more PWDs will see the benefit of being members of APC,” Bancir stated.
Describing the APC as a party that belongs to all Nigerians, he encouraged persons with disabilities to remain actively involved in the political process and continue supporting initiatives aimed at advancing national development.
“This is a party you belong to, and you are aware of what our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is doing to advance the cause of our country. I want all of you to remain firm and believe in what APC is doing as a country and to all of you,” he added.
Bankole Commends APC Leadership
In his remarks, APC National Leader of Persons with Disabilities, Aare Hon. Tolu Bankole, expressed gratitude to the party’s national leadership for its continued support for disability-focused programmes and initiatives.
He particularly commended the APC National Chairman for demonstrating commitment to the welfare and empowerment of persons with disabilities across the country.
According to Bankole, meaningful progress can only be achieved when stakeholders work collectively to address the challenges facing vulnerable populations.
“We are stronger together,” he declared.
“I appreciate the support of the National Chairman for his love and commitment to PWDs nationwide. He has shown leadership and comradeship.”
Bankole explained that the distribution exercise forms part of a wider programme designed to provide relief, create opportunities, and improve the living conditions of persons with disabilities, many of whom continue to face significant social and economic challenges.
“Today at the National Secretariat, we continue the distribution of cash and foodstuffs support to PWDs. Thanks to our dependable National Chairman for encouragement, support and leadership. We are stronger together,” he said.
Relief Amid Economic Hardship
For many beneficiaries, the intervention came at a critical time as rising living costs continue to place pressure on vulnerable households across the country.
Several recipients described the support as timely and impactful, noting that it would help cushion the effects of inflation and provide temporary relief for their families.
Representatives of various disability groups expressed appreciation to the APC leadership for recognizing the needs of persons with disabilities and providing practical support during difficult economic times.
Many also used the opportunity to call for the expansion of similar programmes to reach more persons with disabilities in rural and underserved communities.
Beyond Charity: A Call for Inclusion
Beyond the distribution of relief materials, the event served as a platform for renewed advocacy on disability rights, inclusion, and equal participation in governance.
Speakers at the gathering emphasized that persons with disabilities should not merely be viewed as beneficiaries of welfare programmes but as active contributors to national development.
They called for greater representation of persons with disabilities in political appointments, public institutions, economic programmes, entrepreneurship initiatives, and decision-making processes at all levels of government.
Stakeholders also highlighted the need for stronger implementation of disability-inclusive policies and the removal of barriers that continue to limit opportunities for millions of Nigerians living with disabilities.
APC Calls for Collective Action
The party used the occasion to urge government agencies, private sector organisations, development partners, and civil society groups to intensify efforts aimed at promoting disability inclusion and empowerment.
According to the APC, building an inclusive society requires collective responsibility and sustained investment in programmes that expand opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The party stressed the importance of improving access to education, healthcare, employment, transportation, technology, and social protection for persons with disabilities as part of efforts to achieve sustainable development and social justice.
It further called on stakeholders to support initiatives that enhance the economic independence and social integration of persons with disabilities, noting that inclusive development benefits the entire nation.
Renewed Hope Agenda Prioritises PWD Welfare
The APC maintained that the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities remain important components of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the party, ongoing efforts to support vulnerable groups reflect the administration’s commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in the nation’s development journey.
As the event concluded, party leaders reiterated their determination to continue advocating for policies and programmes that improve the lives of persons with disabilities while encouraging greater participation in governance and nation-building.
For many attendees, the programme represented more than just the distribution of cash and food items—it symbolized growing recognition of the importance of disability inclusion and the need to create a society where every citizen, regardless of physical ability, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s progress.
The message from the APC was clear: true national development can only be achieved when inclusion moves beyond rhetoric and translates into tangible opportunities, support, and empowerment for all citizens.
